East Of State Research Articles

THE MAIN STAGES OF DEPLOYMENT OF HYBRID AGGRESSION BY THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION AGAINST UKRAINE

A historical analysis of the hybrid aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, which became the most dramatic event in the recent history of Ukraine, at the beginning of the third decade of independence, was conducted. The open armed actions of the Russian Federation against Ukraine caused new challenges not only to the national security of Ukraine, but also to the security of the world in general. Currently, the term "hybrid war" best characterizes the actions of the Russian Federation in relation to Ukraine. It is this type of warfare that combines not only military means, but also informational, economic, political, diplomatic, and humanitarian means. At the same time, the «hybrid wars» of the Russian Federation use many tools, starting from the spread of panic rumors to the mobilization of the potential of the church, agents of influence in the economy, political bodies or the use of so-called soft power. The article analyzes the step-by-step process of the military conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, starting with the occupation of the Crimean Peninsula, the open Russian-Ukrainian armed confrontation in the east of the Ukrainian state, and ending with a large-scale invasion of Ukraine. Within each of the stages, separate periods are distinguished, the evolution of which determined and changed the motives of the behavior of the Russian Federation and led to the beginning of hostilities. The Russian-Ukrainian war requires a complex scientific understanding, study and generalization of the experience of conducting military operations in the largest armed conflict in Europe since the end of the Second World War. Conclusions were made regarding the need to consolidate the efforts of the EU, the USA and other democratic states as a guarantee of preventing hybrid aggression by states that act from the position of force, rather than the force of law.

Economic Contributions of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) among Rural Dwellers in Ethiope East and Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

Non Timber Forest Products have always served as life support for many rural dwellers, especially those who live within and around the forests; this study was carried out to determine the economic contributions of NTFPs to the livelihood of rural dwellers in Ethiope East and Ukwuani Local Government Areas of Delta State. Multi-stage random techniques was applied in the selection of 100 respondents. Data were obtained via well-structured questionnaires. Obtained data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin and benefit cost ratio. Findings revealed that there was presence, bountiful abundance of NTFPs and male dominated the collection of the NTFPs in the study area. The modal age range of the respondents was between 20-30 years. This study indicated that most of the respondents got non-timber forest products from the market and most of the respondents’ collected/exploited non-timber forest products for household use and as income generation. Similarly, the research showed that majority of NTFPs exploited/collected were sold in bundles in the area under study. Also the study showed that NTFPs exploitation among rural household was a profitable agribusiness, Market price of other products was identified to be the major constraints to NTFPs.

The Economic Impact of the Zangi State (521H/1127AD – 569H/1174AD) on Ayyubid State (570H/1175AD – 647H/1250AD)

The ayyubid and zangi dynasties were two sem – independent rules within the Islamic world. They were founded during the period in which the abbasid and the suljukians ruled. The center of the zangi state is rule was located in mousil, part of cezere rigion and east of the levant state, and the ayyubid family were living peacefully under the zangi state in balabag city, where they held significant administrative and military positions. Following the death of nuraddin zangi in (569 H/1174 AD), the ayyubid family had the chance to establish their own dynasty. Since saladdin al-ayyubi who was who was nurradin zangis deputy in Egypt، managed to take advantage of the political and military gaps arose due to nuraddins death. Therefor, in (570 H/1175 AD), he established the ayyubid state in Egypt.
 Since it was founded over the same zangi state lands, the ayyubid state posses many features and similarities of the zangis. Especially in politics، administration, economy, civilization, etc… here, we shed some light on the economic impact which copy the zangi rules in most aspects. They focused on improving agricultural and industrial activities, commerce in Levant and Egypt on the Mediterranean and the red sea. Also, they zakat, taxes and the way they dealt with things captured in battles. They made some reforms to remove the burden of extra taxies imposed by the zangi state.

Evaluation of the compressive strength of commercial sandcrete blocks produced in two metropolises of Delta State, Nigeria

The mechanical properties of sandcrete block greatly influenced the durability of structures built from it. This study was carried out to assess the compressive strength of sandcrete blocks produced in two major developmental and rapidly urbanizing zones of Delta State, Nigeria. 150 and 225 mm sandcrete blocks were sampled from 18 blocks moulding factories in Ndokwa East and Ughelli North Local Government Areas of Delta State, Nigeria. Five sandcrete block was sampled from each block moulding factory, at the rate of 9 factories per Local Government Area. The compressive strength of the sampled blocks was determined in accordance with the ASTM International standards. The results of compressive strength test showed that the compressive strengths of the blocks, regardless of the block size ranged from 0.61 to 16.19 MPa. Analysis of the results revealed that apart from the customized blocks, the compressive strengths of all the other blocks fell below the Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) recommendations of 2.5 MPa for non-load bearing walls. The general poor quality of the sandcrete blocks is attributed particularly to the poor mix ratios adopted by the block producers which fell short of NIS recommendations. Thus, this study recommended that standard regulatory agencies should closely monitor all the block making factories in the state, to ensure that sandcrete blocks produced or brought into the state met NIS recommendations

REVIEW: West Papua’s highway of blood and betrayal

The Road: Uprising in West Papua, by John Martinkus. Carlton, Vic: Black Books Inc. 2020. 114 pages. 978-1-760-64242-6
 The rugged mountainous highlands of New Guinea stretch from the Owen Stanley range in the east of the independent state of Papua New Guinea through the Star mountains straddling the border with Indonesian-ruled West Papua westwards through the perpetually snow-capped Puncak Jaya, at 4884m the highest peak.

ГАЛИЦКО-РУССКИЕ ИКОНЫ ПОХВАЛЫ БОГОРОДИЦЫ XV–XVI вв.: ГЕНЕЗИС И МЕТАМОРФОЗЫ

The Galician-Russian icons of Praise of the Virgin are interesting both due to their origin from the hymns of akathist worship, the circumstances of their appearance in the Galician-Russian lands (probably related to the Western Russian metropolitan Gregory Tsamblak), and their unprecedented abundance. This type includes the outstanding works of the 15th century belonging to the Przemysl School, the main icon-painting centre in Poland. In the 16th century small trading towns, primarily Sambir, housed icon-painters who created icons in the democratic version of the national icon-painting style, associated with the artistic achievements of the neighboring coreligious Moldova. The Lviv Renaissance affected all aspects of the spiritual life of Galician Rusins around 1600 during the events around the Brest Union (1596). A final episode of the twocentury history of Praise of the Virgin in its Galician version is presented in Fyodor Senkovich’s icon from the Ripnev village near Lviv, dated 1599. The Praise of the Virgin icons of the 15h – 16th centuries demonstrate the iconographic type transformation caused by the changes in the mentality of the Orthodox population in the east of the Polish Catholic state, indicating both involvement in the Balkan-Slavic church and cultural impulses, as well as general patterns of sacred art development.

Food preference of insects in capoeira area in east of state of Maranhão, Brazil

In the relation between plants and herbivores, both organisms developed along their evolutionary histories mediating mechanisms for these relationships. Considering that the present work had the objective to evaluate the herbivory food preference of plants by insects in an area of capoeira phytophysiognomy and the hypothesis tested was that insects prefer plants with lower leaf tenacity. The study was carried out in Caxias, Maranhao, Brazil, in November 2016, in which 600 leaves were analyzed with half of tenacious leaves and one of soft leaves. The chi-square test indicated an association between the variables tested pointing an occurrence of herbivory preference for plants with tenacious leaves.

Description of the eggs of Psorophora ciliata and Psorophora ferox (Diptera: Culicidae, Aedini) from the east of the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina using scanning electron microscopy.

Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine and describe the egg of Psorophora ciliata, which was not previous adequately described, and the egg of Ps. ferox, which exhibited regional variation. Eggs of Ps. ciliata have long tubercles (length 26.7±1.72 µm) in the outer chorion, surrounded by a hexagonal reticulation. The micropyle (external diameter, to the outer edge of the collar, 26.59 µm; internal diameter 20.8 µm) is surrounded by an irregular collar with a thickness of 14.97 ±0.63 µm. Eggs of Ps. ferox exhibit some differences in the size and shape of tubercles compared to those from other more northern regions.

ПІДТРИМКА СВІТОВОЇ СПІЛЬНОТИ У ВСТАНОВЛЕННІ СУВЕРЕНІТЕТУ УКРАЇНИ НА ДОНБАСІ: ФОРМИ, ЗДОБУТКИ Й МОЖЛИВОСТІ

The article examines the forms of support for the international community of Ukraine in restoring its sovereignty in Donbas. The current achievements and further perspectives in the settlement of the conflict in eastern Ukraine have been analyzed. It is noted that Russian aggression on the territory of Ukraine has shaken the foundations of the European security system and has shown outdated approaches and ineffective mechanisms of functioning of international security structures. It is alleged that at the initial stages of the conflict in the east of the Ukrainian state, the world community has demonstrated its solidarity with Ukraine. A number of countries have formed an informal association in support of the independence and territorial integrity of the Ukrainian state (over 30 countries have entered; international organizations are Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, etc.; military-political unions – NATO, EU, PACE, OSCE, etc.; financial and economic institutions – IMF, EBRD, World Bank, etc.). It is noted that the introduction of UN peacekeepers in order to stabilize the situation in the east of Ukraine is currently at the stage of the project and is directly related to the urgency of reforming the imperfect system of functioning of the international organization. Instead, active non-military international support (political, economic, humanitarian, etc.) of Ukraine by the international community is now quite effective and efficient.

Application of Landsat-8 and ALOS-2 data for structural and landslide hazard mapping in Kelantan, Malaysia

Abstract. Identification of high potential risk and susceptible zones for natural hazards of geological origin is one of the most important applications of advanced remote sensing technology. Yearly, several landslides occur during heavy monsoon rainfall in Kelantan River basin, Peninsular Malaysia. Flooding and subsequent landslide occurrences generated significant damage to livestock, agricultural produce, homes and businesses in the Kelantan River basin. In this study, remote sensing data from the recently launched Landsat-8 and Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar-2 (PALSAR-2) on board the Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2 (ALOS-2) were used to map geologic structural and topographical features in the Kelantan River basin for identification of high potential risk and susceptible zones for landslides and flooding areas. The data were processed for a comprehensive analysis of major geological structures and detailed characterizations of lineaments, drainage patterns and lithology at both regional and district scales. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) approach was used for landslide susceptibility mapping. Several factors such as slope, aspect, soil, lithology, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), land cover, distance to drainage, precipitation, distance to fault and distance to the road were extracted from remote sensing satellite data and fieldwork to apply the AHP approach. Directional convolution filters were applied to ALOS-2 data for identifying linear features in particular directions and edge enhancement in the spatial domain. Results indicate that lineament occurrence at regional scale was mainly linked to the N–S trending of the Bentong–Raub Suture Zone (BRSZ) in the west and Lebir Fault Zone in the east of the Kelantan state. The combination of different polarization channels produced image maps that contain important information related to water bodies, wetlands and lithological units. The N–S, NE–SW and NNE–SSW lineament trends and dendritic, sub-dendritic and rectangular drainage patterns were detected in the Kelantan River basin. The analysis of field investigation data indicates that many of flooded areas were associated with high potential risk zones for hydrogeological hazards such as wetlands, urban areas, floodplain scroll, meander bend, dendritic and sub-dendritic drainage patterns, which are located in flat topographic regions. Numerous landslide points were located in a rectangular drainage system that is associated with a topographic slope of metamorphic and quaternary rock units. Consequently, structural and topographical geology maps were produced for Kelantan River basin using PALSAR-2 data, which could be broadly applicable for landslide hazard mapping and identification of high potential risk zone for hydrogeological hazards. Geohazard mitigation programs could be conducted in the landslide recurrence regions and flooded areas to reduce natural catastrophes leading to loss of life and financial investments in the Kelantan River basin. In this investigation, Landsat-8 and ALOS-2 have proven to successfully provide advanced Earth observation satellite data for disaster monitoring in tropical environments.

Structural and compositional analysis of a casting mold sherd from ancient China.

Casting had symbolic significance and was strictly controlled in the Shang dynasty of ancient China. Vessel casting was mainly distributed around the Shang capital, Yin Ruins, which indicates a rigorous centralization of authority. Thus, for a casting mold to be excavated far from the capital region is rare. In addition to some bronze vessel molds excavated at the Buyao Village site, another key discovery of a bronze vessel mold occurred at Daxinzhuang. The Daxinzhuang site was a core area in the east of Shang state and is an important site to study the eastward expansion of the Shang. Here, combining synchrotron X-rays and other physicochemical analysis methods, nondestructive three-dimensional structure imaging and different elemental analyses were conducted on this mold sherd. Through high penetration X-ray tomography, we obtained insights on the internal structure and discovered some pores. We infer that the generation of pores inside the casting mold sherd was used to enhance air permeability during casting. Furthermore, we suppose that the decorative patterns on the surface were carved and not pasted onto it. Considering the previous compositional studies of bronze vessels, the copper and iron elements were analyzed by different methods. Unexpectedly, a larger amount of iron than of copper was detected on the surface. According to the data analysis and archaeological context, the source of iron on the casting mold sherd could be attributed to local soil contamination. A refined compositional analysis confirms that this casting mold was fabricated locally and used for bronze casting.

GEOLOGICAL FEATURES MAPPING USING PALSAR-2 DATA IN KELANTAN RIVER BASIN, PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

Abstract. In this study, the recently launched Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar-2 (PALSAR-2) onboard the Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2 (ALOS-2), remote sensing data were used to map geologic structural and topographical features in the Kelantan river basin for identification of high potential risk and susceptible zones for landslides and flooding areas. A ScanSAR and two fine mode dual polarization level 3.1 images cover Kelantan state were processed for comprehensive analysis of major geological structures and detailed characterizations of lineaments, drainage patterns and lithology at both regional and district scales. Red-Green-Blue (RGB) colour-composite was applied to different polarization channels of PALSAR-2 data to extract variety of geological information. Directional convolution filters were applied to the data for identifying linear features in particular directions and edge enhancement in the spatial domain. Results derived from ScanSAR image indicate that lineament occurrence at regional scale was mainly linked to the N-S trending of the Bentong-Raub Suture Zone (BRSZ) in the west and Lebir Fault Zone in the east of the Kelantan state. Combination of different polarization channels produced image maps contain important information related to water bodies, wetlands and lithological units for the Kelantan state using fine mode observation data. The N-S, NE-SW and NNE-SSW lineament trends were identified in the study area using directional filtering. Dendritic, sub-dendritic and rectangular drainage patterns were detected in the Kelantan river basin. The analysis of field investigations data indicate that many of flooded areas were associated with high potential risk zones for hydro-geological hazards such as wetlands, urban areas, floodplain scroll, meander bend, dendritic and sub-dendritic drainage patterns, which are located in flat topograghy regions. Numerous landslide points were located in rectangular drainage system that associated with topographic slope of metamorphic and Quaternary rock units. Some large landslides were associated with N-S, NNE-SSW and NE-SW trending fault zones. Consequently, structural and topographical geology maps were produced for Kelantan river basin using PALSAR-2 data, which could be broadly applicable for landslide hazard mapping and identification of high potential risk zone for hydro-geological hazards.

Socio-Economic Analysis of Artisanal Fishing Operation in West and East Axes of Lagos State, Nigeria

The fishery sector occupies a significant position in the economy of Nigeria contributing 4% to agricultural GDP. The artisanal fisheries supplies 81.9% of the total domestic fish production in Nigeria. The result of this study which relied purely on field research examined the socio-economic activities of artisanal fisher folks in the east and west axes of Lagos state comprising Ibeju-Leki and Badagry areas. Five fishing communities were selected from each axis and 200 respondents (20 from each community) were sampled. Structured questionnaire, focus group discussion and interview sessions were used to collect data on socio-economic characteristics, livelihood parameters, cost of craft, gear and other fishing inputs, fish species and productivity. T-test and descriptive statistics were used for analyses. The analysis showed that there was no significant variation in the distribution pattern of the socio-economic characteristics and other parameters between the fishers' areas of operation.

Prevalence, knowledge attitude and practices associated with onchocerciasis in Enugu east and Nkanu west local government areas of Enugu state, Nigeria

Onchocerciasis is still endemic in Enugu East and Nkanu West Local Government Areas of Enugu State. In this survey, the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) and prevalence of onchocerciasis were evaluated. For the KAP aspect of this survey, Interviewers administered questionnaire was used as instrument for collecting information from Respondents who participated in the skin snipping exercise. Skin snips were collected for the prevalence survey. A total of 149 persons participated in the prevalence survey out of which 88 participated in the KAP survey. Correct knowledge of causative agent, mode of transmission and treatment of the disease were 21.60%, 21.60%, 22.72% respectively, which is quite low; while vector control and intake of ivermectin were 77.27% and 37.50% respectively. The result of the microscopic analysis of skin snips showed zero prevalence for both communities. However, palpitation exercise conducted just before skin snipping revealed the presence of nodules on some of the participants. Therefore a community based health education intervention on vector control, cause, mode of transmission and treatment of the disease to improved KAP on onchocerciasis as well as confirmatory analysis of skin snips using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is recommended. Keywords : Onchocerciasis, Onchocerca volvulus , Mode of transmission, Disease treatment, Ivermectin, Knowledge Attitude and Practices (KAP), Skin snips

Como era lá também é cá! Um estudo da permanência de elementos do catolicismo rural na adesão do protestantismo presbiteriano no leste mineiro

The present article seeks to show a description of Brazilian rural Protestantism, observed by author, and the maintenance of elements linked to rustic Catholicism. The Protestantism observed is Presbyterian model, considered as basis two churches in east of state of Minas Gerais whose formation is directly linked to implantation of Presbyterianism in limits between Wood Zone and the East of a same state.

Effect of Reactive Phosphate Rock and Its NKMg Fertilisers under Two Placement Methods on Oil Palm Yield

Studies on the efficiency of phosphate (P) through exploitation of integrated approach on P sources, organic matter and placement methods for mature oil palm in Malaysia are rather limited. A field trial was conducted to evaluate the reactivity of P, its NKMg fertiliser under two placement methods i.e frond heap (FH) or broadcasted at the edge of weeded circle (EWC) on oil palm yield on inland sedentary Rengam series soils (Typic Paleudult). The trial was laid out on an 1992 DxP Felda oil palm planting located at Muadzam Shah, east of Pahang state with high yield potential at 30 tonnes per hectare per year. Two types of reactive phosphate fertilisers namely Senegal Phosphate Rock (low reactive) and Tunisia Phosphate Rock (high reactive) were evaluated in this trial, including a control treatment without phosphate fertiliser. The phosphate rocks (PR) fertilisers were tested at two rates i.e 0.50 kg P2O5 per palm per year and 1.0 kg P2O5 per palm per year. The mineral fertilisers (P or NKMg) were applied at frond heap (FH) or brodcasted at the edge of the weeded circle. Results over six years showed that palm without phosphate and grown under good rainfall distribution, maintained high yield at 28.6 tonnes per hectare per year. In contrast, there was a decrease in foliar, rachis and depleted soil P fertility over time in the plot without PR resulting in reduced overall FFB yield on an average by almost 1.5 tonnes per hectare or 5.3 per cent as compared to those plots with PR at 30.1 tonnes per hectare per year. Therefore, it is vital to continue applying PR to sustain high yields. The trial also showed that applying reactive PR at low rate (0.5 kg P2O5 / palm /year) and integrating with other mineral nutrients NKMg at the frond heap enabled to obtain high yields. Overall, performance of high reactive PR is more superior than the low reactive PR. Keywords: Phosphate, placement, oil palm

TELL AFIS IN THE THIRTEENTH CENTURY b.c.e.: Under the Rule of the Hittites

Three letters in Hittite language found at Tell Afis (thirteenth century b.c.e.) prove that Northwest Syria (east of the Ugaritic state) was under the direct control of a “Lord of the Country” residing at Alalakh (the capital of the Antioch plain) who was, in turn, under the authority of the Hittite central administration (Hattusa). Excavations on the western slope of the acropolis have given a stratigraphical sequence covering the whole Late Bronze Age. The tablets have been found in Building F, exposed for approximately 400 m2. While the cultural horizon of this phase is representative of an inner Syrian Late Bronze II context, a lugged axe and pithoi with marks point to a connection with Central Anatolia. Six other tablets in Akkadian were written by the local administrative office. The individuals' names are mostly Hurrian, in agreement with the situation in Alalakh.

The Effects of Inservice Education on Teachers’ Knowledge of Junior Secondary School Social Studies Curriculum and Instruction in Delta State, Nigeria

The provision of competent professionally trained social studies teachers in adequate numbers has been a major challenge in the successful implementation of the social studies curriculum in junior secondary schools in Nigeria. In-service training of social studies teachers while still on the job has been identified as a functional strategy to enhance the professional competence of these teachers. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of in-service education on the knowledge of teachers on objectives, contents and teaching strategies employed in social studies. Sixty NCE social studies teachers and 60 teachers who obtained B.Ed in social studies through in-service training were recruited for the study using multi-stage random sampling from 30 junior secondary schools in Ika North East and Ika South Local Government Areas of Delta State of Nigeria. A questionnaire-based survey strategy was employed to test the social studies teachers' knowledge on objectives, contents and teaching strategies. The reliability coefficient of the instrument was found to be 0.81 using Cronbach Alpha technique. Data was analyzed using t-test for independent samples. The results showed that B.Ed teachers have significantly higher knowledge on objectives and content of the social studies curriculum but there was no significant difference in the knowledge of NCE and B.Ed teachers on instructional strategies. It was recommended that in-service education programs in social studies should focus not only on enhancing teachers' knowledge on objectives and content but also emphasis should be laid on knowledge of different teaching strategies for the teaching/learning of social studies.

ECOLOGICAL FAMILY FARMING OF CANGUÇU (RS): TRAJECTORIES AND PROSPECTS

This paper analyzes the emergence of different styles of farming, resulting from an incomplete process of modernization in the rural zone of Cangucu, located in the east of state of Rio Grande do Sul. It also to intend expose the directions and unfolds of the emerging style of green agriculture family from its origins, and key characteristics over time. It was identified that the farmer's decision, whether conventional or traditional, to another system production, based on “green” management, can follow different starting points, but also can show links to different periods of movement expansion, then called alternative.

Cambios en la cubierta vegetal y uso del suelo en el área del proyecto Pujal-Coy, San Luis Potosí, México, 1973-2000

El objetivo de este trabajo es identificar los cambios en la cobertura y uso del suelo derivados de la puesta en marcha del proyecto de riego Pujal-Coy, en el oriente del estado de San Luis Potosí, México. El estudio se basa en la interpretación y análisis de imágenes de satélite Landsat MSS y ETM+, documentos oficiales e históricos del proyecto de riego y trabajo de campo. Los resultados indican que durante la etapa inicial del proyecto más de 73 000 ha de selva baja espinosa, selva baja caducifolia y selva mediana subperennifolia fueron desmontadas. La tasa de deforestación calculada para este período fue del 11% anual. Actualmente, sólo persisten poco menos de 11 000 ha de selva en fragmentos con diferente grado de perturbación, dispersos en los tres municipios potosinos incluidos en el proyecto. La proporción del área ocupada por praderas pasó del 21% en 1973 a más del 64% en el 2000, mientras que las áreas cultivadas mantienen prácticamente la misma superficie marginal que tenían al inicio del proyecto. Estos datos evidencian el retorno inequívoco de la ganadería extensiva, que se pretendía sustituir con agricultura intensiva, y los altos costos ambientales que tuvo el proyecto.